09/12/2015 Politics Scotland

Good afternoon and welcome to Politics Scotland.

The Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael has survived

a legal challenge to his election - we'll bring you the reaction.

Opposition parties at Holyrood are calling for an inquiry

into the closure of the Forth Road Bridge.

Here at Westminster, the UK Government announces an extra ?50

million to help the victims of flooding. Some of that money will go

to Scotland, but are the measures radical enough? The Orkney and

Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael will remain in Parliament after surviving

a legal challenge to his election. Four of his constituents brought the

case, claiming his actions around the leak of a memo questioned his

credential. Judges ruled he had lied but it didn't breach electoral law.

As the member of Parliament... Elected in May, Alistair Carmichael

continues as MP for Orkney and Shetland. The news was relayed to

the House of Commons. The judges have determined that the petition be

dismissed. Here is where we started a, report in April a month from the

UK general election, Alistair Carmichael admitted leaking a memo

from the French consul which suggested that Nicola Sturgeon had

indicated at a meeting she wanted to see David Cameron returned as Prime

Minister. But at first, Mr Carmichael denied all knowledge in

an interview. The first I became aware of this, was when I received a

phone call on Friday afternoon from a journalists. Nicola Sturgeon

denied the claims and diplomats said they were wrong. Petitioners for Mr

Carmichael's constituency said his election was based on a lie and took

the case to court. Today the verdict from the judges. They said Mr

Carmichael's comments constituted a false statement of fact, in other

words a lie. They noted that the intention of his conduct was to

furment further his own electoral interest. But it relates only to

lies in respect of of the perm character or conduct of a candidate

for the purpose of affecting that candidate's return. On that the

judges were left with a reasonable doubt. It has been a very difficult

and stressful and expensive few months for me and the rest of my

family. I have been cleared of the breach of Representation of the

People Act brought by nationalists. Nonsense, the only politically

inspired act, as admitted by Mr Carmichael was leaking a memo he

knew to be false to attack the SNP. And the petitioner thes claimed a

moral victory. Here is one. We have proved in court that Alistair

Carmichael lied to his constituents. If I had seen this in a court

judgement about me, I would be resigning. The court also criticised

Mr Carmichael's response to a leak inquiry as at best disengenerous, at

worst evasive and self-serving. The MP said he has been vindicated.

David Porter has been following developments. Including you were

speaking to Alistair Carmichael. Behind the mask of chipperness, is

he as pleased as he looks with himself. I think relief is probably

the first emotion that you would describe. He says on a personal

level this this has been stressful few months. He admits with hind

sight he would have done things differently. He is pleased that the

electical court cleared him on the essential charge that he broke

electoral law. If the case had gone against him, it would have been

curtains for his political career. There would have been a by-election

and he probably would have been told he could not stand. So essentially I

think his first emotion is one of relief. He now knows that he has to

rebuild the relationship with some section of his constituency in

Orkney and Shetland, but if it had gone the other way things would have

been worse for him. Do you think there are perhaps a few members down

there and perhaps members of Scottish Parliament breathing a bit

of a sigh of relief, it does establish that just because you told

porkers doesn't mean you get kicked out and there may be up with or two

ministers/MPs in Parliament who have also told porkers. I don't think

that would be stretching the point that some members here may have been

used to that phrase economic with with the actuality that was once

used in a court case in lontd. It was in the heat of an election

campaign. I think there are many MPs past ands present who would have

thought will perhaps in the past that some things have been said are

not 100% true and copper-bottomed. There was a strange dicot mrooe from

the emotion of what happened in the election campaign the court case and

the dry statement from the speaker of the House of Commons as

proceedings started today at the very start of business. He just

reported what the electoral court had found and said that that meant

that the result for Orkney and Shetland would stand and it would be

now put in the record. It was as driep as that. But -- as dry as

that. But many MPs will be thinking, yeah, I'm a bit glad that didn't

involve me and if we look with hind sight, perhaps things they have done

in the past they would do differently. Don't go away. We will

be back laterment Our guest for the laterment day

is the political editor What do you make of this, I'm not

trying to question the decision of their Lordships. I wonder whether

Alistair Carmichael and his supporters will playing this

politically well? Yes, it is a legal technicality that he has been

cleared on. His response to that decision today has been ill-judged.

This is a man who... You think his response? Yes, because he said he

has complained about it being a politically motivated case and it

was ugly. But this is a guy that has been found by the court to have

lied. He lied because he was trying to enhance his political reputation

and the reason that he hasn't been kicked out is just because it wasn't

the right kind of lie. Also he is a member of a political party, which

makes great play of how its different and it is honest and up

front. All political parties make that claim I suppose. I think that

and it is not just Alistair Carmichael, there is a press release

the Liberal Democrats without put quoting Tim far Ron the UK leader

and they're all saying something similar. Attacking the people who

have brought this a saying it is politically motivated. If you had a

judgment made against you and made against one of your MPs which is

very critical of the personal conduct of Alistair Carmichael, to

respond in that fashion is ill-judged. It would have been... It

seems that it is correct and I should say as a journalist people,

politicians leak all the time and it is difficult to leak without some

level of deceit. I wonder about the public mood. Maybe in the old days

before the House of Commons expenses scandal, but there a mood abroad

that politicians are the same and all tell lies. Even if it is unfair.

If you're a politician... If you like, I am not suggesting he should

have resigned, but the way they have handled it, to say it is fine,

because we got off on a technicality and not address the substance of the

issue, not just the SNP members who brought the case, but other people

across Britain thinking why, this is the way we want politicians not to

behave. I think that is correct. In this case, the legal case has been

brought, it had been crowd funded by Scottish nationalists, that does not

mean that people who are not nationalists, just members of

public, would like their MPs to behave in a more honest fashion.

Thank you. We will be back with you soon.

To the chamber at Holyrood now, where MSPs are debating a Labour

motion which advocates spending the health-related Barnett

consequentials created by George Osborne's Spending Review

? Let's go the the chamber. The impact would have been disastrous.

Thank you for that brevity. Now the next item of business. That is...

Point of order. Mr Kelly? Thank you. I rise to make a point of order in

relation to the statement from derick McKay Transport Minister on

the Forth Road Bridge. In response to a question from Alex Johnson

about cancellation of planned maintenance works, Mr Mackay started

that work that would have been covered by the cancelled maintenance

contract was not the fault on the bridge occurred. However in a BBC

interview, Mr Mackay said the work planned under the contract cancelled

in 2010 would have covered the area where the fault occurred on the

bridge. Clearly, these statements are contradictory. This is a serious

matter. It would appear that Mr Mackay has misled Parliament. I

would ask... That Mr Mackay return to Parliament before close of

business to correct the record and give an open and transparent

explanation as to the impact of planned maintenance works on the

Forth Road Bridge. Thank you. Clearly, Mr Mackay's statements are

a matter for Mr Mackay. And only for him. So therefore this is not a

point of order. However you have made your point. Now we move to the

next item of business, the debate on motion No 12509 8. Patricia

Ferguson? I seek your guidance as to the remedies to hold minister to

account for statements they make in Parliament which are contradicted by

statements outside this place. There must be some mechanism that allows

us to do that? I will reflect on what you say, and I will get back

later in the day to you in that regard. The next item the motion in

the name of Jenny Marra on health. I call on Jenny Marra to speak to and

move the motion. Thank you. We come to the chamber today to discuss

health and social care integration. While we make our speeches and

debate today, thousands of people across Scotland will be in their

homes. Having just perhaps had a visit from a carer at lunch time to

give them their lunch. Many will have been helped by a carer this

morning to get out of bed, to wash, to shower, to dress and have been

given their breakfast. Many of the carerses will have then done the

washing up, put the bin out, perhaps dealt with any family issues. Made

sure their charge has what he or she needs or wants for the day. Made

sure they're warm up that the radio or TV is on the right channel that

those lucky enough to receive visitors know what is happening

throughout the day, that the key's in the right place, that this enough

tea in the caddy. All the while, they are watching the clock. The

myriad of seemingly small but important challenges is one of the

reasons that health and social care integration is challenging on a

daily basis. Medicines are to be taken. The GP has prescribed three

times a day. Carers can't administer medicines, this has to be done by

someone else, who is that person? This is an example of day-to-day

challenges that makes bringing health and social care together so

complex and challenge and that is the reality on the ground. A window

into many homes across Scotland this afternoon. And it is the right thing

to do. Because we know that many, many old people - and they are the

majority of recipients of home care - they want to stay in their own

homes. Last week, audit Scotland published its report on health and

social care spe Gration. -- integration. There were some

challenging messages for the government. At the start in the

summary it noted that there is evidence to suggest that integration

authorities will not be in a position to make a major impact in

2016, 2017. The Labour motion sets out clearly today that Labour would

spend Barnett consequentials on health and social care integration.

It is plain for everyone to see that social care needs more investment if

it is to be successful. It is clear in Scotland and it is clear across

the United Kingdom and across most of western Europe. It is plain for

everyone to see that this need becomes more and more urgent every

day as our population ages and more and more people require care. The

Scottish government itself has estimated that the increase in the

need for health and social care services will rise by between 18 and

29% by 2030. And it is place for everyone to see -- and it is plain

for everyone to see that investment is about prevention. Ten years ago

Campbell Christy made recommendations and preventative

spending which this Government signed up to in opposition. But we

have still not seen that shift that is necessary. The Scottish

Government themselves estimate that 137 to 150 million could be saved.

It is now nearly a year since Shona Robison announced that delayed

discharge would be abolished by the end of the year. Now, I can't

criticise the cabinet Secretary for her ambition on this, but she will

have made this statement in full knowledge that keeping people in

hospital is more expensive than caring for them at home. Some

estimates she will know put a week's stay in hospital at nearly ?4,000.

And last week's audit Scotland report states in 2014, 15 NHS

Scotland used 625,000 bed days for patients who were already ready to

be discharged. It has been announced that Donald Trump has been dropped

from global Scot, a worldwide network who promotes Scotland. Our

correspondent can bring us up-to-date. Is this a devastating

blow to Donald Trump? Well Nicola Sturgeon dropped Mr Trump as a

global Scot. A press release was sent out saying his remarks about a

ban on Muslims coming into the United States after the gun shooting

in California, his remarks have shown he is no longer fit to be a

business ambassador for Scotland and his membership of the global Scot

business network should be withdrawn with immediate effect and there are

questions in the House of Commons today to the Chancellor, who is

standing in for the Prime Minister about Mr Trump and his comments. I'm

joined by three MSPs. Mike McKenzie, Graham Pearson and Murdo Fraser.

Let's start with the Trump situation. Should Mr Trump perhaps

not have been dropped as a global Scot plied when he made those

comments and Muslims. No, I'm pleased to hear he has been dropped.

I don't this sentiments are at all welcome. I think the First

Minister's done the right thing to send that message that that kind of

behaviour, those sentiments are not welcome and they're not appropriate

in Scotland and so I'm pleased she has the done that. Mr Trump is tied

up in Scottish life with Trump aviation at westest Prestwick

airport, owned by the Scottish Government. But I think the First

Minister's done the right thing. Those remarks are unacceptable in

Scotland. Graham Pearson, the press release said he was appointed a

global Scot in 2000 6 when Jack McConnell was First Minister. Well

Mr Trump has had a love/hate relationship with the Scottish

establishment and Mr Trump. We had the Scottish nationalists were

played about his golfing endeavours and his worth and then fell out

about wind farms. His latest pronouncements show him not fit for

purpose for Scottish society. I'm glad it's happened. It is long

overdue. It can be awkward, governments want to get big business

people involved and Mr Trump was involved in Scotland under Jack

McConnell's leadership. At that time he had a a different persona and

different ambitions. The last five years has not been an auspicious

time for Mr Trump, I'm glad we have severed our link. Money doesn't

bayou everything. -- doesn't buy you everything. Mohammed sheik the SNP

MSP asked the Chancellor whether in Mr Trump should be banned from

coming into the country as a hate freechest preacher -- preacher. It

is a dangerous territory saying we should ban people from speaking

their mind or we deem their views unacceptable. I think what he said

was unacceptable. I was etc tweeting yesterday about why he was still a

global Scot. I was amazed he was stiff still a global Scot after what

he said about Mexican people. It should have happened before now. He

has gone from that role. He is still a substantial investor in Scotland

and we need to be careful about that relationship. We remember the former

First Minister Alex Salmond being very cosy with Mr Trump. Perhaps in

the future First Ministers should be more careful about who they are

consievial with. -- convivial. Now the Forth Road Bridge, did the

Scottish Government cutback on repairs and that led to this

situation? ?" No the minister came to Parliament yesterday and gave a

comprehensive statement. He was very clear on that point. This is not a,

been caused by any deficiency in maintenance, it was unforeseen, it

is a technical matter and he invited all MSPs to attend a technical

briefing on Monday morning at south Queensferry to satisfy themselves

and to ask questions and to do so in a place that won't result in two

personnel being taken off the bridge and off the vital repairs. That is

the important thing, to get the bridge properly repaired and open

again as soon as possible. This was unforeseen and Labour are calling

for a public inquiry, but sometimes things just happen. It is a shearing

of metal. It It is not as simple. I know there are tens of thousands of

motorists want to know why this was allowed to happen. It is one of the

main routes in Scotland, reported this morning that five years ago an

issue was raised about maintaining this particular part of Britain and

ensurer -- part of the bridge and a decision was taken not to maintain

the bridge. And I know James Kelly raised a motion asking has the

cabinet Secretary misled Parliament and we need to be clear who made the

decision five years ago and why was it made and should it be made?

Certainly this last week it has been misery for thousands of people and

we need some clarity, how did we arrive at this station. --

situation. Misery for many of your constituents, are the arrangements

enough or the people to get moving? I think, I have used the public

transport arrangements for the last two days. For many people they're

working well. For others they're not because you can't replicate a

journey a lot of people would have made by car. We are fortunate it is

happening in the run up to Christmas when people are be more flexible

with their work. If the closure continues until January, then we

have a serious problem. But we can't lose sight of an issue that has

arisen, Derek McKay told Parliament yesterday that the maintenance

programme that was cancelled in 2010 would not have have had an impact on

the crack that appeared. He said something different on the radio

today. We are getting mixed messages. That is why we have been

calling for an independent inquiry. I think that is essential, because

the Scottish government can't seem to get their story straight on what

has gone wrong. Well, the Scottish government can't get their story

straight? I don't think that is the case. The minister made a clear

statement yesterday to Parliament and obviously this is a changing

situation, more information is becoming available as the engineers

undertake their work. This is not political issue, but a technical

issue. Of course they will try and make political capital, I be this

should be more serious than that. It should be beyond politics. Its

causing disruption and inconvenience and economic loss. The minister has

been at pains to implement a transport plan. He is fine tuning it

and the information I have is traffic flows are better than

expected and I think we have to take the time to pay tribute to the

people who are working in difficult weather conditions today, wind

swept. These people are also working in a new bridge that is under budget

and on time. That is good news. No one would speak against that. The

reality still is we have a main route that is incapable of being

used. There should have been work done five years ago which would have

meant we could have maintained our connections as the other bridge

still was being built and we need to have clarity. There was a message

delivered yesterday and a different one today and we know where are the

gap and are we gets a whitewash. Do you think everything will be up and

running by the new year? I hope so. Because if not, we are more serious

problems and even the Scottish government can't give us guarantees

that will be the case. Thank you. Gordon with that back to you in the

studio. David Clegg is still with me. Now is

it bridge gate yet? Shall we official it bridge gate, you think

the government has questions to answer. I have been looking at the

detail of this. Yesterday in Parliament, the Transport Secretary

said, it refers to works that were put out in 2010 or the for tender

and cancelled. He said the works are not where the fault occurred. On the

radio today he was asked if this was the case he said, well, it would

have seen the replacement of that area and much more. So on the face

of it it does look as if there is a discrepancy between what was being

said in Parliament and what was said on the radio. Maybe the Government,

all of whom have become experts in civil engineers will be able to

explain it. There may be a technical explanation for it. There has been a

point of order raised. I am sure the Scottish Government will prepare a

response. It is unfortunate for the Government, because their response

has been good up to now and they seem to be getting alternative

transport arrangements done and kept people informed. But it does seem

there is confusion about whether they are in the frame for, well the

cancelling of the works in 2010 is what got us to this situation. You

can see the ambitions of opposition politicians, they want to say, or

add to this narrative that the SNP Government bang on about

independence, when it came to running the country they have let

things go to the dogs and here is another example. That will be the

main message of the opposition parties. If you think back to the

2011 election when the SNP won their majority, it wasn't anything to do

with independence, it was won on we are a competent government and trust

us to run the country well and the public thought they had done so.

They got a massive majority. The focus became about independence. And

that has led to an increase in their support but I'm not sure it has had

a good effect on their running. Trump was popular when he was

spending money. I think that was a mistake and it has taken some

extreme comments for civic life in Scotland to recognise this is a man

with some unsavoury views. Is in is the first thing that has happened

where somebody said to Trump that we are taking something away. Have you

come across any more? I'm not aware of anything. The whole presidential

debate in America has been dominated by Donald Trump and the views that

he has aired and response they're getting from some sections of the

American public is disturbing. I think he is not just a fun figure,

but could hold a very influential position and is already dominating

the debate. I should point out that is the American version of the

Apprentice and not the BBC verse. Which is beyond reproach. Now back

to the chamber and a debate about social care. Labour have advocated a

living wage for health workers. Shona Robison is responding.

Recognised, as are members well, don't like the difference, that is

why we have taken the action, to increase the rates of pay, direct

responsibility, and we have set the example that we would encourage

employers to follow. And we have done more than that, we have

provided ?12.5 million, as part of an arrangement with local

authorities and providers, what ?25 million, to improve the quality of

care, including making progress towards democracy. That is welcome.

With the integration, these care workers are going to move, tempting

as part of the statutory workforce? IGBs required. To commission

services, voices around the table, and of course we have put in place

guidance, loving all of the to consider the question on what

practices, about the human process. That is a strong lever for IGBs. The

Scottish Government sees the payment of the living wage, as a commitment,

and it is one of the ways that an employer can demonstrate it takes a

positive approach to the workforce. Some of the authorities, already

doing that. It does not stop there. I am committed to meeting for the

progress. Working with COSLA. Care providers across Scotland, but in

order to reach a common understanding about the scale of the

challenge, I am happy to put the information, on the costings of

delivering living wage, into spice, we do need the common understanding,

so that we can look at the challenge that we need to make. I want to use

the rest of the time... Two talk about my visit to Oakridge. I saw

progress of work, an intermediate care, and what struck me, was the

commitment of all the staff the leadership shown by the partnership

in Glasgow, improving quality of life. The staff felt motivated by

the work that they were doing, the police they were involved in

something worthwhile. -- the belief. Last November, they've recorded 106

delayed discharges, and October, the number was 25 this year. The staff

were able to name those people, the lead in the system in Glasgow.

Because they are in such small numbers. That is a good achievement,

and we want other partnerships to deliver that. Over half of all

partnerships have delayed discharge, into single figures, five account

for 60% of the rest. I can assure Parliament, working very hard, I am

conscious of time... I want to address this final point about the

budget. On the forthcoming budget, the government has passed on every

penny of health course consequential, since 2009, and the

audit report makes it clear that the increase has happened, the federal

includes capital, why is she shaking her head? It is clearer that health

resource spending has increased. Capital spending, a different

matter. We know that because of the 25% decrease from the Westminster

government to the Scottish Government, capital spending has

been a challenge. But the commitment has increased, in view terms. But in

terms of the forthcoming budget, obviously, I cannot say much about

that other than Parliament can be reassured, the direction of travel

that I have laid out, will be continued in the decisions that we

meet in the forthcoming budget. I am happy to move that amendment in my

name. Amendment 1050.182. Thank you. Across the country, front line staff

in health and social care are watching to satisfy people. I am not

so familiar with the social care, but I am sure it is no different

than the NHS, and for all the years I have known them, the vast majority

of staff have been working with commitment, to ensure the best

possible outcomes. We know that many people have been working under

increasing pressure, as population strictures resources. Many have been

retiring early. Recruitment has not always been easy. We see this with

consultancy agencies, the difficulty of trouble attracting new trainees,

and the difficulty in recruiting and the continuing use of staff, to

cover the consist. Health boards are doing their best. At Grampian,

strenuous efforts have been made to solve the problem. This has resulted

in consultants vacancies being felt. -- filled. Overall, demand for NHS

services is outstripping the available resources. This system is

not sustainable. That has been made clearer by the auditor general.

To Westminster now, where there was a break

from the familiar routine of PMQs today.

The PM in question is away, on a visit to Romania,

as part of his ongoing quest to renegotiate the UK's

So it fell to the Chancellor George Osborne to speak for the Government

and to Labour's Shadow First Secretary of State,

Mr Speaker... Our hearts go out to those suffering the consequences of

flooding. Thousands have been affected, the priority has got to be

for the government to get immediate help, but one year after the 20 14th

once, -- 2014 floods, only 15% have received payments, this cannot

happen again. These people need urgent help rate now. As the

Chancellor going to give the house I guarantee that people will receive

the help that they need, quickly? I want to join her, expressing

sympathy of the house, to those affected by these terrible floods.

The rainfall that has hit Cumbria and Lancashire. We have one severe

flood warning in place. However has been restored to many homes, but we

have got to be available for these families, we continue to support the

immediate rescue efforts, the melancholy have deployed that.

Recovery, what she has been asking about, 50 million has been made

available to families and businesses affected, it will be administered in

local authorities, to avoid administrative problems that she has

been to. Rebuilding the infrastructure of these locations

are affected, we are assessing the defences, and roads. Funds are going

to be made available, one of the benefits of having a resilient

economy. Reports in the north of Scotland about plans to transport

dangerous nuclear material, nuclear weapons, uranium, on public roads to

Wick airport. What will this be used for, and of any colleagues spoken

with the Scottish minister about this? The transportation of these

nuclear materials has happened across this country, over many

decades. Established procedures, the Royal Marines and the police in

Scotland provide security, as he has specific concerns that he wants to

raise about the plans for the transportation, he can raise them

with us, but the arrangements in place, to make sure we protect.

Since the budget, I have asked about how he intends to meet women prove

they had their third child... This policy as an walkable. -- is

unworkable. It is perfectly reasonable to have the welfare

system, available to those who need for it, but fair for those who pay

for it. We have identified this specific case, women, subject to

domestic abuse and we have made changes to protect these vulnerable

women. The Home Secretary has banned 84 hate preachers from entering the

UK. Donald Trump, 85? The best way to confront the opinions with

somebody like .com, to engage in democratic debate, about why he is

profoundly wrong about the contribution of American and British

Muslims, that is the best way to do with that, rather than ban

presidential candidates. No rain dropping on you yet? That

has not happened yet, but are busy day at Westminster. I can introduce

you to the MPs. I am going to begin with you, Nicol. The issue of the

day for Scottish politics, the adjudication of that electoral

court, involving Alistair Carmichael. An end to the matter? I

hope that it is. It is the outcome that Alistair Carmichael has been

hoping for, and the constituents of Orkney and Shetland. They want to

get on with normal politics. It was a politically motivated court

action, and I think the correct decision has been reached. He can

get down to focusing his attention on representing the people of Orkney

and Shetland. He has said it was politically motivated. Do you accept

that? The SNP were not pushing this. This was for constituents, one of

them was a Green Party member. I think this leaves problems for the

Liberal Democrats. Alistair Carmichael has been found within the

remits, let off. But we have a situation, the court itself has said

that he told a blatant lie. Was evasive. This is hardly the language

that should allow them to get off free. The court has spoken? The

court has spoken, it is a formal committee, they have said it was a

case to answer, we have examined and they have said that Alistair

Carmichael can remain. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of poems, have

been thrown at this case. If it is going to create a precedent for the

future, who knows. It is to Alistair Carmichael to respond, if he wants

to but it is important for Parliament and for constituents, for

him to get back to doing his job. Is it correct that the courts get

involved, the political argument? I do not think this was a political

argument. As a lawyer, what Ian said is right. We observe the judgment of

the court. It would be wrong for politicians to make adjudications.

It was a political decision -- it was not a political decision, it was

made by the courts. Donald Trump has also been in the headlines, other

comments about Muslims in America. The Scottish Government has dropped

him as a so-called ambassador for Scotland. Correct? I would invite

all of us to put funds together for a spacerocket and fire him to space!

The comments that he made have no place in modern democracy, and

joking aside, the American people are going to ensure that he has no

place in the Washington political setup. Westminster in the space

business? He has been dropped as a global Scott, a former associate of

the former First Minister, but he is still a shareholder, to do with

Prestwick Airport, but these sort of comments have now please in a modern

democracy. America, as the Chancellor said, is the place of

liberty, the founding fathers would find it deplorable what he has been

saying. Hopefully, not just the American people, but the Republican

Party should reflect on the comments, taken off the list. It is

fuelling the flames. He has been dropped by your government, but if

he does have this association with Prestwick Airport, your government

owns that, is that correct? One of my MPs has written to the Home

Secretary, he has reminded that 84 hate preachers have been banned from

coming to the United Kingdom, he wants this case to be considered as

well. If he has an association with the Newport, owned by the Scottish

Government, they do not take action? For the moment, we have taken

correct action, we are only with the waiters, because they have said he

is not fit to stand for presidential nomination. Your opinion? Has links

with the Scottish Government have got to be closely examined. His

comments, some of the most shocking in all of my time in politics.

Coming from the person who wants to be leader of the democratic world.

It is appropriate that we looked into these issues, and strong

action, if possible, should be taken against him. Many topics, at the

moment, one of them, flooding. If we are going to get rainfall like this,

and flooding like this, the government is at Edinburgh and

London have got to do more, spend more? That is correct. Local

residents were promised this was going to be once in 100 years, here

we are, years later... The compensation that George Osborne was

talking about, at Prime Minister's Questions, David Talbot and was --

David Cameron was overseas, it did not seem to be appropriate, remotely

and off to substantially tackle the issue. We have got dishes, part of

the problem is that you keep on saying that planning consent has

been given for more housing, on the flood plain. Surprise surprise, they

are going to be flooded. Nor one answer to this question? I do agree

that spending more money is going to help. The Scottish Government has

increased the amount to ?89 million. The defences that have been invested

in have held up. I know that we will be taking back their concerns. The

thing to remember, this was a terrible thing to happen at this

time of year. The people who have been affected, we want to help them,

and the volunteers as quickly as possible. Talks going on in Paris.

Presumably, this is something that transcends party politics? It does.

We have to think about the people affected. But we also have to think

we are funding and getting the infrastructure correctly. Millions

was put into Edinburgh, that had to come out of the budget of the

councils. Both governments have to put more money into those sort of

structures, if we are going to have this, this has been happening almost

every decade. That is why the party stocks are so important, -- Paris

talks, because Copenhagen was disappointing. One thing is for

certain, one of the problems we have is that government ministers, on the

dangers, climate change deniers. We cannot have climate change policy

when they do not believe the science. One more question. When

these things happen on your watch, your government is going to get the

blame? You cannot crime any government for the web. That would

be on there. We have to sympathise with the people of Britain,

particularly Scotland, who have suffered, and in answer to the

question you asked to Nicol, should the Scottish Government be working

more effectively with the British government, I think yes, we need

more respect, working in tandem. These are British matters, affecting

all of the people, when it comes to these issues. Thank you very much.

And thank you for being so brief on covering the subject.

Just time for some final thoughts from David Clegg.

I was thinking, listening to them, talking about Alistair Carmichael,

about what you had said at the beginning of the programme. Ian

Murray, leaping to the defence of a fellow member? Telling us it is to

Alistair Carmichael to decide on the morality. The Scottish National

Party took a different position, I am concerned this issue seems to be

polarising itself, I won't independence. -- around.

Conservatives, backing off? The court has decided, what he has got

was not suitable, or sufficient for him to be thrown out of Parliament.

Move on. But we cannot pretend the conduct was what any constituent

would want from the elected representative. It was not. This

willingness, of MPs, to somehow associate themselves with him, he's

a chap in trouble... If I was a Liberal Democrat, putting myself up

for election, I would not want to be associating myself with Alistair

Carmichael, whatever the result is, he has been contaminated by this,

not come out of it with. I would be surprised if we see in standing

again in 2020. He will serve out this term. But Nicol Stephen said...

The constituents are going to be deleted with the result. I suspect

that is not true. -- delighted. The Forth Bridge. Nicola Sturgeon was

making clay, about how she wanted to get this back open by the beginning

of the year? Hostage to fortune? The daily record has spoken to some

engineers, who have been incredulous about that. Presumably, the

information that Niklas Dudgeon has been getting, is going to be

informed, but having been so explicit, that definitely no lag...

It is going to be on the timetable suggested, it is going to be a

tricky position, if it rolls on. It is not even just engineering, at

this time of year, gale force winds? The timetable out of joint? It is

not good weather, for repealing, my limited knowledge would tell me

that. I am surprised, they have been so categoric. Who knows what could

happen? Donald Trump, we had the reaction, but more broader,

Republicans have been queueing up, to tell us this is awful. It was

such an extraordinarily comment. Extraordinary intervention.

Especially when you have sensitivities about the issue of

Islam. He was tweeting, he said he could stand as an independent.

Whatever you think of Donald Trump, and the comments, this would be good

news for Hillary Clinton? Obviously, as he stands as an independent, with

his profile, he will presumably have funding, a strong independent

candidate, you would assume that would lean him to the Republicans,

but Hillary Clinton could be the ultimate winner.

You can see First Minister's Questions tomorrow at noon,

and I'll be back with Sunday Politics Scotland

'From the industrial heart of Scotland...' Puff.

'..to the remotest corners of the Hebrides...'

'..the Clyde puffers were the workhorses of our coastal trade.'